John Wrathall
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John James Wrathall (August 28, 1913 – August 31, 1978) was a Rhodesian politician. He formerly worked as an accountant.
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[edit] Early life
Wrathall was born in Lancaster, England and went to Lancaster Grammar School. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1935, and emigrated to Southern Rhodesia the next year. He worked for the Southern Rhodesian government in the income tax department.
[edit] Rhodesian career
In 1946 Wrathall set up in private practice as an accountant in Bulawayo and also became involved in politics. In 1949 he was elected to Bulawayo City Council, where he served for a decade. Wrathall was elected to the Legislative Assembly for Bulawayo South in the 1954 general election, as a member of the United Rhodesia Party then led by Garfield Todd. He stood down after one term in 1958.
[edit] Ministerial office
By 1962 Wrathall was no longer a supporter of the United Federal Party and became a founder member of the Rhodesian Front under Winston Field. He was elected in Bulawayo North in the December 1962 election under the RF banner. As one of the most experienced members, in October 1963 he was made Minister of African Education. A month later he also took on the Ministry of Health, which was being transferred from the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland on its demise at the end of 1963.
Wrathall was among the members of the Rhodesian Front who deposed Winston Field and instead installed Ian Smith as Prime Minister in April 1964. Smith promoted him to be Minister of Finance and of Posts. As such, he was one of the signatories to the UDI on 11 November 1965. He was Deputy Prime Minister from September 7, 1966.
[edit] Presidency
In July 1973, Wrathall ceded his responsibility as Minister of Posts and in the 1974 general election he stood down from the House of Assembly and transferred to the Senate. On January 14, 1976 he was sworn in as the second President of Rhodesia, succeeding Clifford Dupont. He served for two and a half years, and died in office.
| Preceded by: Jack Howman |
Minister of African Education 1963-1964 |
Succeeded by: office abolished |
| Preceded by: Ian Smith (Minister of the Treasury) |
Minister of Finance 1964-1976 |
Succeeded by: David Smith |
| Preceded by: Ian Smith |
Minister of Posts 1964-1973 |
Succeeded by: Roger Hawkins |
| Preceded by: Clifford Dupont |
President of Rhodesia 1976-1978 |
Succeeded by: Henry Everard (Acting) |
[edit] References
- "Mr John Wrathall: President of Rhodesia" (Obituary), The Times, September 1, 1978
- F.M.G. Willson and G.C. Passmore, "Holders of Administrative and Ministerial Office 1894-1964" (University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Salisbury, Rhodesia, 1966)
